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1. If you are prone to chronic bladder infections, watch those sweets. Unfortunately, bacteria like sugar as much as we do and thrive on it, getting fat and sassy. Boy, does that sound familiar? When your blood sugar is high, bacteria love to move in and frolic. It's best if you don't offer a friendly welcoming atmosphere for bacteria. Your figure will also thank you.

2. Say goodbye to tight-fitting clothes, especially if you do a lot of sitting. This is particularly true for us females as a snug fit can irritate the urethra. Also, eliminate the man-made fibers, such as nylon for underwear. Many manufacturers have caught on to this trend and now sew a cotton crotch into their undies and that's okay. Cotton and the natural fibers are best because they breathe. I know there's a joke there somewhere, but I'm not even going to go there. Just remember air is good.

3. When you have discomfort in that “zone,” sit in a hot bathtub and soak. Some experts believe a half-cup of vinegar helps to eliminate those bacteria. Others believe a bit of aloe vera concentrate or tea tree oil is also soothing in the water. It's also important to avoid toxic soaps or fragrances in bath additives. I switched to a sensitive skin bubble bath and use only a dash of that. It's also a good idea to check out any new soaps, bubble baths, etc. before you decide to use them. Even beware of shower gels, bath salts and pre-soaped wash pads. I found a good liquid soap at the health food store which contains tea tree oil, which is great for yeast infections if those are a problem. You might think about switching to a no ink, dye or perfume detergent for all your laundry. I have found that some of the Oxyclean products can clean as well as bleach, without the irritation to the skin.

4. Be sure to void fairly soon after having sex. Also, use a lubricant if you have problems with a dry vaginal area, which many older women do as well as those of us who have Sjogren's Syndrome. Remember even mild trauma to the vagina can cause problems in the urinary tract. Remember the expression “honeymoon cystitis?” For us gals, all of our “equipment” is closely connected. Problems or infection in one orifice or opening can cause problems to another.

5. Just a brief word about kidney stones is appropriate here, I think. There is a great deal of information about kidney stones and much of it is contradictory. The most important thing you need to know, if you are unfortunate enough to form kidney stones, is to save that first one, have it analyzed so you and your doctor can determine what kind of stones you form. For those of you who have not been unfortunate enough to have ever had a kidney stone let me assure you they hurt like the devil. I have not had one but have treated many patients with them. They are, bend over, take narcotics, vomit and scream painful. Imagine a jagged rock traveling down a tiny tube in your body causing trauma and often bleeding along the way. No fun there.

The reason it is important to have that first or second stone analyzed is because treatment is usually based on the type of stone you form. The most common stone is composed of calcium and oxalate. That's why some fruits which naturally contain oxalate are out, such as strawberries, cranberries, etc. Other foods to avoid are spinach, beets and their greens, collards, okra, refried beans, sweet potatoes, many nuts such as almonds and sesame seeds and soy products. A diet low in salt and low in animal protein is also recommended.

I spoke with my son-in-law at noon today because he has had numerous kidney stones. He was told, several years ago, to cut back on milk products, including ice cream because he was known to have calcium-based stones. He did cut back on milk-based products, then he developed the largest, most painful stone he had ever had. He was told the body was searching for calcium, presumably drawing it from the bones, and that was that. Another example of how confusing the treatment for stones can be. A lot of fluids is the primary answer to keep those stones a'rollin', along. My son-in-law has not had a stone in several years. It could be that marriage agrees with him and his body, but I would never get him to admit that. I know his wife, my daughter, has been giving him cherry concentrate capsules as well as other vitamins. When I asked him what she gave him he said, “Oh, arsenic, cyanide and I think some anthrax.” He's a card, this guy and I confess, Jim and I love him to death. This family needed another smart ass.

6. The last bit of advice I have gleaned about urinary health is in regard to the medications to treat infection, both homeopathic and allopathic (traditional) medicine. When you are prescribed antibiotics, be certain to take all of them. Do not cut back when you begin to feel better. Take it all!! If antibiotics have a tendency to cause yeast infections for you, be sure to stock up on yogurt, buttermilk or acidophilus liquid or caps. All of those must be refrigerated to keep those “good” bacterial cultures alive. Remember antibiotics kill the bad bacteria as well as the good and the acidophilus products replace much of the good bacteria. If you feel an infection beginning and have early symptoms, such as frequency and slight burning, I have had success with the herb Uva Ursi (bearberry), and take two caps a couple of times a day as well as cranberry caps and have staved off many infections that way. I have also tried homeopathic remedies, specifically Cantharis 6 or 30, taken under the tongue every four hours. It's worth a try because it can't hurt you and often may help. Another good homeopathic remedy for bladder and urine problems is Aconite 6 or 30. These are all available at your local health food store. Remember with homeopathic remedies to avoid caffeine for at least 15 minutes before taking them. You should stay away from caffeine anyway if your urinary tract is acting up.

I realize these three blogs have held a great deal of information and am here if you have questions. I hope my experience and research will prove as helpful to you as it has been for me over the years.

-Sue

Last Updated:10/18/2007

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